The Conners Season 7 Episode 2 Review: Fame, Flying Fists, and Cold Feet

Despite it being the final season, The Conners Season 7 Episode 2, “Fame, Flying Fists, and Cold Feet,” fails to impress on more than one front. With three different storylines flowing through the episode, everything feels a bit shallow.

We are aware that the show has only been given a six-episode final season. However, that doesn’t mean they need to add unnecessary storytelling that diminishes the main plot’s impact.

This is why we feel disheartened by the trajectory of some of the Conner family’s paths. In fact, there’s an argument to be made for complete mischaracterizations of Dan’s children.

Darlene and Ben’s Relationship Woes Are Exhausting

I’ve said this many times over the years, and I’ll say it again. The writers never seem to know what to do with Darlene and Ben except to give them constant conflicts.

There are times when I actually like Ben, but then the writers double down on his self-centered qualities. This not only creates conflict between him and Darlene but also makes him an exhausting character.

Honestly, given the number of times Darlene felt ignored and misunderstood before getting married, I’m convinced they shouldn’t be together. Here, again, they are in a situation where Ben cares only about his own career and needs.

The minute Darlene mentions to Becky, again, that she hasn’t seen Ben in days it’s apparent that she’s extremely unhappy. Sure, some people can argue that Darlene never seems happy, but I would disagree.

The Conners has been good at subtly showing Darlene’s tendency to keep her needs and desires to herself. This started years ago on Roseanne when she had siblings who took most of her parents’ attention. 

Darlene’s Attention Turns to Someone New

Now, Darlene’s in this cycle of accepting less than from Ben because she’s used to being ignored or dismissed her whole life, even in her marriage to David. So, she is stuck in a miserable situation and wants to feel seen and heard, which no one in her family is really giving her.

So, naturally, it’s no surprise that she’s finding herself connecting with Chad. Whether this connection turns into something further than just confidants at The Lobo is still up for debate.

While a future storyline where Darlene falls into an attraction with Chad (who we know is slated for a 3-episode arc) isn’t ideal it makes sense. I’m not one to encourage cheating storylines, but considering Ben’s on a path where his wife is of no concern to him, Darlene going elsewhere wouldn’t be a surprise.

In fact, the chemistry between Seth Green and Sara Gilbert works, making it likely that we will see their bond progress in some way. Both of them are miserable with their current relationship status, which makes for great storytelling.

Honestly, The Conners couldn’t go wrong with shifting Darlene’s story from complaining about Ben to finding herself in a new friendship with Chad. Making Chad a romantic partner would be understanding, but not what I would prefer to see for him and Darlene.

Becky Fails at Social Media

While Darlene is worrying about her lack of connection with Ben, Becky is trying to capitalize on her appearance on the TV Show Restaurant 911. It sounds good in theory, but fans of the Conner family know well enough that Becky tends to flop her big ideas.

Sure enough, almost as soon as she’s started, Becky is discouraged by comments on her Live. She tries to wave it off as Beverly Rose is upset, but really, it’s her.

Becky might think it’s sweet that Tyler is redirecting his work efforts so that he can come to be with her for a few hours, but we know it’s really not. Becky’s complaints to Tyler were most likely centered on selfish intentions.

Overall, this portion of the episode doesn’t work because it feels very out of character with who Becky has grown into as a single mom. She’s definitely the type of mom to care about Beverly Rose’s needs over her own.

Therefore, we don’t like it when she ignores those instincts in favor of making herself famous. Sure, Beverly Rose’s snappy comebacks are sweet and endearing, especially for the social media audience, but they don’t properly depict her relationship with Becky.

Thankfully, this particular storyline isn’t a major focus of the episode. That’s probably due to the lack of depth for this topic, which further proves how unnecessary it was overall.

Dan Finally Makes a Decision

The one part of this episode that did work is the slow progression toward Dan finally accepting his responsibility in suing the drug company.

Just like Seth Green’s incredible performance as a guest star, Jane Lynch’s Jean also adds laughs to make this episode more enjoyable. Jean is the final push Dan needs to accept the choice to sue on Roseanne’s behalf.

The way she is hesitant to drink but then insists on being served a drink during both of her scenes adds levity. If we are being honest, of all the people The Conners could’ve cast to play this lawyer, Lynch is the best choice.

While Jean is a big push, what truly convinces Dan is an old text from Roseanne to Jackie. Hearing how she felt prior to the knee surgery that led to her demise breaks our collective hearts.

Audiences might have mixed feelings about Roseanne Barr, but we can all agree that the love story between Roseanne and Dan is one for the ages. Dan loves Rosie so much that hearing her concern for him instead of herself turns the tide for him.

It’s a natural progression and a factor that makes sense for who Dan is as a character. He’s always one to sacrifice his own comfort and happiness for his family. Therefore, Roseanne calling that out to Jackie is going to flip a switch in him.

Stray Thoughts:

• The whole opening scene of this episode is comedy gold and proves why we love this family.
• Beverly Rose’s very limited appearance reminds us that we deserve more of her.

 

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The Conners airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on ABC.

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